Global Study Shows Increased Longevity for People with Dementia

A recent multinational study led by researchers from the University of Waterloo reveals that individuals diagnosed with dementia are experiencing improved survival rates in recent years. This positive trend is attributed to advancements in dementia diagnosis, improved care strategies, and the development of targeted treatments. The study analyzed data from over 1.2 million people aged 60 and above across eight regions, including Ontario, the UK, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Finland, Germany, and New Zealand, spanning from 2000 to 2018. Findings indicated that in five of these regions, including Ontario, the risk of death decreased over time, highlighting significant progress in managing the disease.

Interestingly, the research noted that only New Zealand showed an increase in mortality risk following dementia diagnosis, specifically between 2014 and 2018. This rise was linked to a shift of dementia care to primary healthcare services, which sometimes led to diagnoses at more advanced stages of the disease. Other regions, such as Canada, the UK, South Korea, Taiwan, Finland, and Germany, already have or are developing national dementia strategies, contributing to the decline in mortality risk.

Dr. Hao Luo, the study's lead author, emphasizes the importance of understanding survival trends. "Knowing how long individuals live after a dementia diagnosis helps families, clinicians, and policymakers make informed decisions and plan for care needs," she explains. The research suggests that improvements in preventive measures, treatments, and psychosocial interventions have played a vital role in enhancing survival outcomes.

The study's findings underscore the global importance of dementia as a public health priority and highlight the need for continued progress in care strategies. Future research will focus on understanding how other factors, such as comorbidities, influence survival among dementia patients. The comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights for healthcare systems worldwide to better allocate resources and improve patient care.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-people-dementia-longer-global.html